March 26, 2001–Hsinchu, Taiwain–Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), has successfully ramped 0.15-micron processes to full production status. Using this new technology, TSMC has delivered the GeForce3 GPU and the key processor for the Xbox video game console to NVIDIA Corporation.

“We are delighted to be among the first to make use of TSMC’s advanced 0.15-micron process technology,” said Jen-Hsun Huang, president and CEO for NVIDIA. “This new process has enabled us to create more sophisticated processors for advanced graphics and multimedia applications. TSMC has clearly demonstrated that it is ahead of the curve with its state-of-the-art process technology.”

Qualified in March 2000, TSMC was the first foundry to deliver 0.15-micron process technology. Several other customer products are also in the volume production stage at TSMC using this leading-edge technology.

“Our 0.15-micron process is the industry’s most advanced technology in volume production,” said F. C. Tseng, president of TSMC. “This is another example of TSMC’s leadership in meeting customer demand for aggressive technology introductions together with rapid transition to volume production. We have experienced increasing demand for our 0.15-micron technology.”